23 Million Tons of Food Are Wasted Every Year!

Kaan Sidar, referring to the latest published data, summarized the current state of waste: "The data showing that 23 million tons of food is wasted annually in Türkiye, with 102 kilograms of food being wasted annually per person, is extremely alarming. These figures are not only an economic loss but also a matter of conscience in a world where millions struggle with hunger. In particular, the fact that 35% of the fruits and vegetables produced are wasted before reaching the table demonstrates the need to reexamine supply chain processes." 

“Support for the Fight Against Waste”

Sidar stated that the food industry is one of the most critical actors in the chain from the first link of production to the consumer's table, saying, "Therefore, we are aware that we bear one of the greatest responsibilities in combating food waste. We greatly welcome the national awakening initiative initiated by the Presidential Agriculture and Food Policies Board and its work on this issue. As TÜGİS, we are participating in these efforts as an employers' union."  “We are ready to support,” he said. 

“Operational Processes Must Be Improved”

Sidar emphasized the importance of promoting smart technologies that minimize losses in production, storage, and logistics processes as concrete steps to combat food waste, and also emphasized the necessary actions for the public and consumers. He said, “Education and information campaigns aimed at preventing waste at the household level must be supported, existing food resources must be used more efficiently, and our consumption habits must be reviewed. Furthermore, it is crucial to improve legal regulations and operational processes for distributing surplus food to those in need.”  used expressions. 

TÜGİS Will Continue to Raise Awareness Against Waste

Sidar stated that TÜGİS is working on more responsible and conscious consumption, especially food literacy, and said, “Preventing food waste means contributing to our country’s economy and leaving a more sustainable food system for future generations.  "The issue is also the future of our food safety and our environment. As TÜGİS, we are discussing the future of food through the Sustainable Food Summit, organized in collaboration with the Sustainability Academy. We are exploring solutions to the problems faced in our sector, especially food waste, and exchanging ideas. Through the TÜGİS Scientific Board, we are sharing with the public the key points to consider when accessing safe food. We invite all our stakeholders to take responsibility in this shared effort," he said.

Source: HORECA TREND and TÜGİS

The Turkish Food Industry Employers' Union (TÜGİS), the representative of new generation unionism in our country, continues its pioneering role in social responsibility areas as well as its activities aimed at increasing the competitiveness of its members. In this context, TÜGİS and the Working Life Association, which participated in the "Strengthening the Capacity of Social Partners and Civil Society Organizations on Fundamental Principles and Rights in Working Life Project" financed by the European Union and implemented by the International Labor Organization (ILO), launched the "Big Futures for Small Hands: No to Child Labor" project.  The project aims to inform TÜGİS members and all stakeholders in the food ecosystem in accordance with ILO policies and international legislation on the prevention of child labour.

Agriculture, Industry and Service Sectors Lead

Making evaluations regarding the project TÜGİS Chairman of the Board Kaan Sidar, underlined that child labor continues to be a significant problem in Türkiye, both economically and socially. Defining child labor as the employment of individuals under the age of 18 in jobs that may negatively affect their physical, mental, social and moral development, Sidar stated that the reasons for this situation may include poverty, problems with access to education, being a refugee, family pressure and traditional roles. 

There Are 5 Thousand Child Workers Between the Ages of 17-720 in Türkiye

Kaan Sidar, who emphasized that according to statistics, the number of child laborers in the 5-7 age group in Türkiye is around 720 thousand, said, “Agriculture, industry and the service sector are the areas where child labor is most common. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO) and UNICEF report, 30,8 percent of working children in our country are in agriculture, 23,7 percent in industry and 45,5 percent in the service sector. Marginal jobs such as street vending are also included in this scope. While 79,7 percent of working children are in the 15-17 age group, 15,9 percent are in the 12-14 age group and 4,4 percent are in the 5-11 age group.”  

Sidar added, “When child labor is examined by gender, it is seen that 70,6 percent of working children are boys and 29,4 percent are girls. In short, this cycle that starts with the child’s labor turns into a vicious circle that takes away their development opportunities. This brings with it problems such as loss of education, health problems, developmental damages and risk of abuse.”  

“We will contribute to raising awareness against child labor”

Kaan Sidar, who also addressed child labor in terms of legal regulations, said, “Labor Law No. 4857 in Türkiye prohibits the employment of children under the age of 15, with some exceptions. Our country has become a party to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child by signing it. In addition, the Ministry of Family and Social Services is implementing various action plans in cooperation with the ILO. As TÜGİS, we will organize trainings and information programs by bringing together all stakeholders of the sector with a project we will carry out for 1 year with the Labor Life Association. We will also contribute to increasing social awareness with various printed materials and announcements we will make on social media.”

One in Every 13 Children in the World Works!

According to data from the International Labor Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, 138 million children in the world, in other words one in every 12 children, are currently working as child laborers. Almost half of these children work in hazardous jobs that affect their health and development (close to 40%) and their number reaches 54 million. 

When looking at the distribution of child labor by region, Africa has the highest number of child laborers, both in percentage and absolute numbers, with 86.6 million children (21.5%). The Asia-Pacific region comes second in absolute numbers: 3,1 million children with 27,7%. When looked at in terms of surface area, Latin America and the Caribbean region comes second with 5,5%. The rest of the child labor population is distributed among other regions.

Source: HORECA TREND and Turkish Food Industry Employers' Union (TÜGİS)